CN111356051A

CN111356051A - Acoustic device

Info

Publication number: CN111356051A
Application number: CN201910089424.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 黄名韬
Original assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc
Current assignee: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc
Priority date: 2018-12-20
Filing date: 2019-01-30
Publication date: 2020-06-30
Also published as: US10932032B2; US20200204908A1

Abstract

An acoustic device includes a first chamber, a first perforation, a vibrating structure, and a separating structure. The first chamber includes a first end and a second end. The first aperture is defined at the first end of the first chamber. The vibrating structure is disposed at the second end of the first chamber and is configured to emit sound waves away from the first chamber. The separation structure is disposed within and separates the first chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The separation structure defines second perforations connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber.

Description

Acoustic device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an acoustic device, and more particularly, to an acoustic device including a chamber.

Background

Acoustic devices, such as headphones, have become very popular because more and more people wear portable electronic devices, such as mp3 players and mobile phones. In order to improve the acoustic performance of the acoustic device, low frequency resonance plays an important role. However, current acoustic devices cannot provide sufficient low frequency resonance due to the limited volume.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, according to some embodiments, an acoustic device includes a first chamber, a first perforation, a vibrating structure, and a separating structure. The first chamber includes a first end and a second end. A first aperture is defined at a first end of the first chamber. A vibrating structure is disposed at a second end of the first chamber and is configured to emit sound waves away from the first chamber. A separation structure is disposed within the first chamber and separates the first chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The separation structure defines second perforations connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber.

In another aspect, an acoustic device, according to some embodiments, includes a first chamber, a first perforation, a diaphragm, and a separation structure. The first chamber includes a first end and a second end. A first aperture is defined at a first end of the first chamber. A diaphragm is disposed at a second end of the first chamber and is configured to emit sound waves away from the first chamber. A separation structure is disposed within the first chamber and defines a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The separation structure defines second perforations connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber. The volume of the first sub-chamber is greater than the volume of the second sub-chamber.

In yet another aspect, an acoustic device, according to some embodiments, includes a first chamber, a second chamber, a membrane, and a separation structure. The membrane is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. A separation structure is disposed within the second chamber to separate the second chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. The separation structure has a first aperture connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber. The second chamber has a second aperture therethrough.

Drawings

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It should be noted that the various features may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of the features depicted in the drawings may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are cross-sectional views of the acoustic device of fig. 1 at various stages of operation.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same or similar elements. The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by means of a separation structure in the chamber of the acoustic device, e.g. an earpiece, to define two sub-chambers within the chamber, the low frequency resonance may be improved without increasing the volume of the acoustic device. In some embodiments, acoustic distortion may be reduced or prevented by perforations on the separation structure and on the ends of the chamber.

Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an acoustic device 1a according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The acoustic device 1a comprises the

chambers

12, 14, the vibrating structure 13, the separating structure 125, the liner 15 and the audio line 16. The acoustic device 1a may be a headset, such as an inner outer ear headphone or an earbud headset.

The chamber 12 and the chamber 14 form or define the housing 10. The housing 10 may be sized, shaped, and/or configured to rest within the concha of a user's ear. The cushion 15 is combined with the housing 10 and faces the ear. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the cushion 15 at least partially covers a portion of the chamber 14.

The vibrating structure 13 is disposed between the chamber 12 and the chamber 14. The vibrating structure 13 is configured to convert an electrical audio signal received through the audio line 16 into sound or sound waves. The vibrating structure 13 may emit sound waves in two directions. For example, the vibrating structure 13 may emit sound waves away from the chamber 12 and toward the pad 15, or away from the pad 15 and toward the chamber 12. The vibrating structure 13 may be an acoustic driver driven by an audio line 16. In some embodiments, the vibrating structure 13 may be driven via a wireless connection with an external device. In some embodiments, the vibrating structure 13 may be or may include a diaphragm. The vibrating structure 13 may comprise an elastic material.

The chamber 12 comprises an end 121 remote from the vibrating structure 13 and an end 122 opposite the end 121. The end 122 of the chamber 12 is adjacent to the chamber 14. The vibrating structure 13 is disposed at the end 122 of the chamber 12. As shown in fig. 1, a perforation (or vent hole, aperture) O1 is defined or positioned at a surface of the end 121 of the chamber 12. The perforations O1 penetrate the wall or shell of the chamber 12. In some embodiments, the diameter of the perforations O1 may be in a range between 0.6mm and 0.9 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the perforations O1 may be in a range between 0.7mm and 0.8 mm.

Separation structure 125 is disposed within chamber 12 and separates chamber 12 into sub-chamber 124 and sub-chamber 126. A perforation (or vent hole, orifice) O2 is defined at the separation structure 125. Perforations O2 penetrate through separation structure 125 and connect sub-chamber 124 with sub-chamber 126. In some embodiments, the volume of sub-chamber 124 is equal to or greater than the volume of sub-chamber 126. In other embodiments, the volume of sub-chamber 124 may be less than or equal to twice the volume of sub-chamber 126. The separation structure 125 may increase the structural strength of the acoustic device 1 a.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, central axis X1 of perforation O1 is different from or spaced apart from central axis X2 of perforation O2. That is, the protrusion of perforation O1 on separation structure 125 does not overlap perforation O2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, central axis X1 of perforation O1 is the same as central axis X2 of perforation O2. That is, the protrusion of perforation O1 on separation structure 125 may overlap perforation O2. In some embodiments, the volume defined by perforation O1 or within perforation O1 is greater than the volume defined by perforation O2 or within perforation O2. For example, the ratio of the volume defined by perforation O1 to the volume defined by perforation O2 is greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.2. In some embodiments, the ratio may be greater than 1.2. The configuration of perforations O1 and O2 may facilitate pressure equalization within chamber 12 (or between subchambers 124 and 126) during vibration of vibrating structure 13. The configuration of perforations O1 and O2 may also increase the path of sound waves emitted within chamber 12 in order to increase the acoustic performance (particularly for low frequency resonances) of acoustic device 1 a. In some embodiments, the separation structure 125 may define more than one perforation.

The separating structure 125 further defines an aperture O3 for the audio line 16 to pass through the vibrating structure 13 and couple to the vibrating structure 13. The audio line 16 may be used to emit an electrical signal to drive the vibrating structure 13 to generate sound or sound waves. In some embodiments, an adhesive material (not shown) may be used to secure audio line 16 in aperture O3. The tacky material may seal the space between the audio line 16 and the hole O3. The tacky material may fill the space in the hole O3 between the audio line 16 and the separating structure 125. Thus, the audio line 16 is tightly fixed and more stable or resistant to pull strength.

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are cross-sectional views of the acoustic device 1a in fig. 1 at various stages of operation. Fig. 2A generally illustrates that when driven by an electrical signal, the vibrating structure 13 vibrates and generates sound waves toward the pad 15. The acoustic wave may be composed of various components, including low frequency waves, intermediate frequency waves, and high frequency waves. Low frequency waves typically sound "lower" to the human ear and may be in the range between 10Hz and 200Hz or lower. The mid-frequency wave may be in a range between 200Hz and 2000 Hz. The high frequency wave may be higher than 2000 Hz.

Referring to fig. 2A, when vibrating structure 13 (or a portion of vibrating structure 13) vibrates or bends toward pad 15, an airflow is generated from subchamber 124 to subchamber 126, with external air entering subchamber 124 through perforations O1 and air in subchamber 124 entering subchamber 126 through perforations O2. Because the volume of sub-chamber 124 is greater than or equal to the volume of sub-chamber 126, the force (or density) F1 of the gas flow will increase as the gas flow enters sub-chamber 126. Thus, a sufficient amplitude of the vibration of the vibrating structure 13 or a sufficient displacement of the vibrating structure 13 may be achieved with a moderate air flow and the momentum of the low frequency part of the sound wave may be enhanced.

Referring to fig. 2C, vibrating structure 13 vibrates or rebounds back toward chamber 12, creating air pressure and a flow of air from subchamber 126 to subchamber 124, wherein air in subchamber 126 enters subchamber 124 through perforations O2 and air in subchamber 124 flows through perforations O1. Because the volume of sub-chamber 126 is less than the volume of sub-chamber 124, the air flow from sub-chamber 126 to sub-chamber 124 is restricted and the velocity of the air flow is impeded. Therefore, the vibration amplitude of the vibrating structure 13 or the displacement of the vibrating structure 13 is suppressed, which reduces the period of time during which the vibrating structure 13 needs to be restored to its original position. That is, the slower airflow may prevent or reduce delays during recovery of the vibrating structure 13 that may otherwise occur due to movement of large amounts of air and may result in sound distortion. In addition, due to the design of perforations O1 on chamber 12, the space within subchamber 124 and the space within subchamber 126 are connected to the outside atmosphere, which may improve pressure equalization performance and reduce sound distortion. Accordingly, the present disclosure may reduce or prevent sound distortion.

Fig. 2D illustrates the vibrating structure 13 returning to its initial position and ready for a subsequent vibration.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic device 3a according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The acoustic device 3a may be the same as or similar to the acoustic device 1a in fig. 1. Some components are omitted. For example, the pad 15 and the audio line 16 are omitted.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the central axis X1 of the perforations O1 on the chamber 12 is different from the central axis X2 of the perforations O2 on the separation structure 125 or spaced apart from the central axis X2. Distance D1 is defined between central axis X1 of perforation O1 and central axis X2 of perforation O2. The separation structure 125 defines a length L1. Generally, increasing distance D1 increases the length of the gas flow between

sub-chambers

124 and 126 caused during vibration of vibrating structure 13 and may increase the low frequency resonance of the generated sound waves. In some embodiments, the ratio of distance D1 to length L1 may be designed to be close to 1; for example, the ratio may be in a range between 0.5 and 0.9. In some embodiments, the ratio may be in a range between 0.1 and 0.9. According to the present disclosure, the adBSPL of the target resonant frequency point may be enhanced by 3 dB. In other embodiments, the central axis X1 of the perforation O1 may be the same as the central axis X2 of the perforation O2, which also has better low frequency resonance than if no separate structure were disposed in the chamber 12.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the perforation O1 has a circular shape with a radius R1 and a depth T1 (which may also be the thickness of the shell of the chamber 12). Perforations O2 have a circular shape with a radius R2 and a depth T2 (which may also be the thickness of separation structure 125). Thus, volume V1 of perforation O1 is pi R12T 1, and volume V2 of perforation O2 is pi R22T 2. Volume V1 is greater than volume V2. For example, the ratio of volume V1 to volume V2 may be greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.2. In some embodiments, the ratio of volume V1 to volume V2 may be greater than 1.2. The configuration of the volumes of perforations O1 and O2 may facilitate pressure equalization within chamber 12 (or between subchambers 124 and 126) during vibration of vibrating structure 13.

In some embodiments, the separation structure 125 defines more than one perforation. When separation structure 125 defines only one perforation O2, the relationship or design rule between the total volume of all perforations V3 and the volume of perforations O1V 1 may be the same as or similar to the relationship or design rule between volume of perforations O2V 2 and the volume of perforations O1V 1. That is, the ratio of the volume V1 to the volume V3 may be greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.2. In some embodiments, the ratio of volume V1 to volume V3 may be greater than 1.2.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an acoustic device 4a according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The acoustic device 4a may be a headphone, such as an earmuff type headphone.

The acoustic device 4a comprises a pad 15, a chamber 12, a vibrating structure 13 and a separating structure 125. Chamber 12 defines a perforation O1 and separation structure 125 defines a perforation O2. Separation structure 125 defines sub-chamber 124 and sub-chamber 126 within chamber 12. In some embodiments, the cushion 15, chamber 12, vibrating structure 13, separating structure 125, and perforations O1 and O2 of acoustic device 4a may be the same as or similar to cushion 15, chamber 12, vibrating structure 13, separating structure 125, and perforations O1 and O2 of acoustic device 1a in fig. 1.

During application, two acoustic devices 4a may be used, corresponding to the right and left ears of the user. Due to the arrangement of the separation structure 125, components such as batteries or circuit boards may be arranged within the sub-chamber 124 of one of the two acoustic devices 4 a. Thus, the configuration, arrangement or volume of the sub-chambers 126 of the two acoustic devices 4a may be substantially the same, which may improve the uniformity of the frequency response received by the left and right ears of the user.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an acoustic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The acoustic device may be similar to the acoustic device 4a in fig. 4. As shown in fig. 5, a baffle 17 may be disposed between the vibrating structure 13 and the pad 15 (the baffle 17 may comprise or be an ear pad). In some embodiments, the diameter of the perforations O1 defined on the chamber 12 may be between 4mm and 6mm, for example, about 5mm, and the diameter of the perforations O2 defined on the separation structure 125 may be between 2mm and 3 mm. The chamber 12 and/or the separation structure 125 may have a cap shape. The chamber 12 covers the baffle 17, the vibrating structure 13 and the separating structure 125 on the pad 15. The separation structure 125 covers the vibrating structure 13 on the baffle 17.

As used herein, the terms "substantially", "essentially" and "about" are used to describe and explain minor variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to the situation in which the event or circumstance occurs explicitly, as well as the situation in which the event or circumstance occurs in close proximity. For example, when used in conjunction with numerical values, the term can refer to a range of variation that is less than or equal to ± 10% of the stated numerical value, such as less than or equal to ± 5%, less than or equal to ± 4%, less than or equal to ± 3%, less than or equal to ± 2%, less than or equal to ± 1%, less than or equal to ± 0.5%, less than or equal to ± 0.1%, or less than or equal to ± 0.05%. For example, two numerical values are considered to be "substantially" or "about" the same if the difference between the two numerical values is less than or equal to ± 10% (e.g., less than or equal to ± 5%, less than or equal to ± 4%, less than or equal to ± 3%, less than or equal to ± 2%, less than or equal to ± 1%, less than or equal to ± 0.5%, less than or equal to ± 0.1%, or less than or equal to ± 0.05%) of the mean of the values. For example, "substantially" parallel may refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equal to ± 10 ° from 0 °, such as less than or equal to ± 5 °, less than or equal to ± 4 °, less than or equal to ± 3 °, less than or equal to ± 2 °, less than or equal to ± 1 °, less than or equal to ± 0.5 °, less than or equal to ± 0.1 °, or less than or equal to ± 0.05 °. For example, "substantially" perpendicular may refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equal to ± 10 ° from 90 °, e.g., less than or equal to ± 5 °, less than or equal to ± 4 °, less than or equal to ± 3 °, less than or equal to ± 2 °, less than or equal to ± 1 °, less than or equal to ± 0.5 °, less than or equal to ± 0.1 °, or less than or equal to ± 0.05 °.

Two surfaces can be considered coplanar or substantially coplanar if the displacement between the two surfaces is no greater than 5 μm, no greater than 2 μm, no greater than 1 μm, or no greater than 0.5 μm. A surface can be considered planar or substantially planar if the difference between the highest and lowest points of the surface is no greater than 5 μm, no greater than 2 μm, no greater than 1 μm, or no greater than 0.5 μm.

As used herein, the singular terms "a" and "the" may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the description of some embodiments, a component disposed "on" or "over" another component may encompass the case where the preceding component is directly on the succeeding component (e.g., in physical contact), as well as the case where one or more intervening components are positioned between the preceding and succeeding components.

While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments thereof, such description and illustration are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted within the embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The illustrations may not necessarily be drawn to scale. There may be a difference between the art reproduction in the present disclosure and the actual device due to variables in the manufacturing process, and the like. There may be other embodiments of the disclosure that are not specifically illustrated. The specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, method, or process to the objective, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Although the methods disclosed herein have been described with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, it should be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or reordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An acoustic device, comprising:

a first chamber comprising a first end and a second end;

a first perforation defined at the first end of the first chamber;

a vibrating structure disposed at the second end of the first chamber and configured to emit sound waves away from the first chamber; and

a separation structure disposed within and separating the first chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, wherein

The separation structure defines second perforations connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber.

2. The acoustic device of claim 1, wherein the volume of the first sub-chamber is equal to or greater than the volume of the second sub-chamber.

3. The acoustic device of claim 2, wherein the volume of the first sub-chamber is less than or equal to twice the volume of the second sub-chamber.

4. The acoustic device of claim 1, further comprising a second chamber adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, wherein the vibrating structure is interposed between the first chamber and the second chamber.

5. The acoustic device of claim 1, wherein a central axis of the first perforation is different from a central axis of the second perforation.

6. The acoustic device of claim 1, wherein the first perforation defines a first volume and the second perforation defines a second volume, and a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.2.

7. The acoustic device of claim 1, wherein the separation structure defines at least two perforations.

8. The acoustic device of claim 1, wherein the separation structure further defines a hole configured for an audio line to pass through.

9. The acoustic device of claim 8, further comprising a tacky material that secures the audio line in the hole and seals a space between the audio line and the hole.

10. The acoustic device of claim 1, wherein a central axis of the first perforation is the same as a central axis of the second perforation.

11. An acoustic device, comprising:

a first chamber comprising a first end and a second end;

a first perforation defined at the first end of the first chamber;

a diaphragm disposed at the second end of the first chamber and configured to emit sound waves away from the first chamber; and

a separation structure disposed within the first chamber and defining a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, wherein the separation structure defines second perforations connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber, and a volume of the first sub-chamber is equal to or greater than a volume of the second sub-chamber.

12. The acoustic device of claim 11, further comprising a second chamber adjacent to the second end of the first chamber, wherein the diaphragm is interposed between the first chamber and the second chamber.

13. The acoustic device of claim 11, wherein a central axis of the first perforation is different from a central axis of the second perforation.

14. The acoustic device of claim 11, wherein the first perforation defines a first volume and the second perforation defines a second volume, and a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.2.

15. The acoustic device of claim 11, wherein the separation structure defines at least two perforations.

16. The acoustic device of claim 15, wherein the separation structure further defines a wire hole configured for an audio wire to pass through.

17. The acoustic device of claim 16, further comprising a tacky material that secures the audio line in the line hole and seals a space between the audio line and the separation structure.

18. The acoustic device of claim 11, wherein a central axis of the first perforation is the same as a central axis of the second perforation.

19. An acoustic device, comprising:

a first chamber and a second chamber;

a membrane disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber; and

a separation structure disposed within the second chamber to separate the second chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, the separation structure having a first aperture connecting the first sub-chamber with the second sub-chamber,

wherein the second chamber has a second aperture therethrough.

20. The acoustic device of claim 19, wherein the second aperture is positioned at a surface of the second chamber spaced apart from the separation structure.

21. The acoustic device of claim 19, wherein the protrusion of the second aperture on the separation structure does not overlap the first aperture.

22. The acoustic device of claim 19, wherein the separation structure comprises a third aperture through which an audio line passes.

23. The acoustic device of claim 19, wherein the protrusion of the second aperture on the separation structure overlaps the first aperture.